Board of Directors

Locally the SSMRCA operates under the direction of a Conservation Authority Board which is currently comprised of five municipal representatives, four from the City of Sault Ste. Marie and one from Prince Township.

Each Board Member is responsible for taking an active role in guiding the activities of the SSMRCA. Municipal representatives keep their local municipal councils apprised of the programs and projects of the Authority and act as the liaison between the CA and the municipality. A Chair and Vice-Chair are elected annually from the membership and each board member is entitled to one vote.

Ideally, Board Members represent the interest of all people served by the Authority, are aware of conflicts of interest, honour confidentiality, approach all Board issues with an open mind, are prepared to make the best decision for the whole organization, live up to the trust of those who appointed them or those they serve and focus their efforts on the vision, mission, goals and objectives of the Conservation Authority.

Collectively, Board Members provide direction and lead the Conservation Authority.

2018 Annual General Meeting - Chairman’s Remarks

Before I go into some of the highlights for 2017 I first would like to thank the Board Members who sit on this Board for their dedication and support to the Conservation Authority here in the Sault.

A special thank you to the staff who work tirelessly and who are dedicated to their work. This Conservation Authority works with a minimal budget, and are small in numbers but do remarkable work.

Finally, to Rhonda Bateman who is the General Manager of the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority, the Board and I appreciate all that she does. She keeps us informed, she is dedicated and has moved the Conservation Authority forward.

So, thank you to all … it is greatly appreciated.

(SSMRCA Board Chairman, Marchy Bruni)

2017 Highlights

Success of the Forest Management Committee which is made up of knowledgeable local experts who assisted staff in the development and final approval of the New Managed Forest Plan by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Successful leadership in the Canada 150 Parade of Paddles project with Parks Canada and Ermatinger•Clergue National Historic Site. Staff played an important role in this project.

Field work season focus was on the vegetation removal and bank stabilization of the West Davignon Flood Control Channel below Second Line to Base Line. As well the field staff were able to accomplish the removal of two existing hazards in the Shore Ridges conservation area, an abandoned garage structure and a former viewing platform. Most of the work was accomplished by staff … a huge savings by doing most of it inhouse.

Coordination and delivery of the 6th Annual John Rowswell Hub Trail Festival.

Coordination of the Annual TD Tree Day tree planting which has been ongoing for several years.

Strategic Plan Partnership Building accomplishments:

Improving relationships with local user groups such as the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club and Sault College.

Donating to local fundraising events through in-kind contributions.

Assisting in local environmental events such as the Garlic Mustard Pull.

Our General Manager continues to participate in Conservation Ontario meetings and subcommittees.

Moving Forward in 2018

The new Conservation Authorities Act has been passed and there is a renewed focus on the governance of Conservation Authorities and eventually the strengthening of regulations to meet our mandate. The future looks promising, but much work is required to achieve our goals.

I want to stress this Conservation Authority is different compared to other Conservation Authorities. We here have limited funding and limited staff but do great things to keep this Conservation Authority moving forward.